Permitting & Plan Review Process

Depending on the type of project and the completeness of your application, plans and adherence to codes, the permit may be processed over-the-counter, however for more complex plans needing review (e.g. zoning, building setback requirements, pervious calculations, etc.), "behind the counter" review will be required which takes approximately 10-15 business days if all information is accurately submitted.

In order to obtain a permit, applications and fees must be submitted to the permit office during normal business hours Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. located at 3826 Amherst St. We are closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch.(Last payment is accepted at 4:00 p.m.)

For more information on how to obtain a related permit, please reference below: (note: timeline indicated is typical based on permit)

  • For CODE RELATED questions or to SCHEDULE A PRE-DEVELOPMENT MEETINGplease contact Community Development at 713-662-5833 or by email. 
  • For PERMIT RELATED questions please contact Community Development at 713-662-5833 or by email.

New Home Construction Flow Chart - FINAL Opens in new window

  • Pre-development meeting (as requested by homeowner, contractor, architect or designer)
  • All plans, supporting paperwork submitted for review - Typical Plan Review: 10-15 business days
    • Tree Disposition is reviewed by Urban Forester to determine where tree fencing needs to be installed to protect trees and neighboring properties (avg. 5-7 business days)
      • Contractor and homeowner notified via phone and email; tree disposition is approved. Tree fencing must be placed according to site plan. Inspections only conducted on Tuesday and Thursday.
      • New home plans reviewed by Building Official then forwarded to Third-Party Planning Consultant to review for zoning compliance (within 10-15 business day window)
      • If plans are rejected and need corrections, contractor and homeowner notified via phone and email. Plans are picked-up to make corrections.
      • Once corrections are made, plans are resubmitted by contractor for review. Plan review resets. (10-15 business days)
        • If plans are approved, contractor and homeowner are notified via phone and email that plans are approved, if all the required inspections have been approved and the following items have been completed, then plans are released.
          • Active water account must be established in contractor’s name by calling Utility Billing at 713-662-5824
          • Sidewalk/driveway/approach deposit must be paid (not required if empty lot)
          • Utility disconnect permit/inspection (not required if empty lot). Plumber is responsible for disconnecting water and sewer. Make sure Centerpoint has removed electric meter. Must provide letter from Centerpoint stating the gas has been disconnected
          • Demolition permit/inspection (not required if empty lot)
          • One final demolition inspection is approved, contractor and homeowner is notified that permit is ready to be issued

Related Documents

Click here to view 2021 International Residential Building and 2020 National Electrical Codes